British troops deployed to Mali on the world’s most dangerous peacekeeping mission have detained suspected Islamic State terrorists for the first time.
During a 17-day operation to stop armed groups threatening the population, soldiers from the long-range reconnaissance group also seized a cache of weapons.
Troops from 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards spotted three suspected militants, who ditched equipment as they fled. One was detained after riding his motorbike into water. During a search, the soldiers seized two motorbikes, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, radios and combat clothing.
Days later soldiers from the same regiment came across two armed men, and detained them after they tried to flee. The soldiers seized two AK47 rifles, ammunition, radios and other equipment.
The arrests took place in an area where fighters from Isis in the Greater Sahara are known to operate.
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The suspects were taken to the UN base in Gao and later transferred to the Malian authorities. James Heappey, the armed forces minister, said: “These operations are yet another example of how UK peacekeepers are making a real difference to the UN mission to protect civilians in Mali.
